Oscar David Gonzalez

Oscar D. Gonzalez, Ph.D., a physical chemist who was a frontrunner in cryogenic research linking the heat capacity of solid deuterium (liquid hydrogen) and superconductivity of metals, died 12 March 2012 at his home in El Paso, TX. He was 89.

His early work and numerous publications still have wide applications ranging from steel building construction to space and cryogenic exploration. He graduated from El Paso High School in 1940 as valedictorian and earned a B.Sc. in chemistry and physics at Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy with a 4.0 GPA. He was awarded a full scholarship to The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH as a student of Professor Herrick Johnston, in the emerging field of fission research during World War II. He took a leave of absence from his studies soon after the Pearl Harbor attack serving his country in the U.S. Navy while stationed at the U.S. Naval Electronics School, Treasure Island, CA until the end of World War II. Upon returning to OSU, he earned a doctorate in physical chemistry in 1951. He subsequently taught at Loyola University in Chicago, IL, did research at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, and worked at the U.S. Steel E.C. Bain's Lab for fundamental research in Monroeville, PA ultimately retiring as senior scientist in 1972. Following retirement, he taught chemistry at Mercer Community College in West Windsor, N.J. and locally as an adjunct instructor at El Paso Community College. He was admired and esteemed by all his students and colleagues for his lucidness and comprehensive knowledge. He was both a gifted scientist and consummate scholar, learning free-form art techniques under the distinguished artists: Jean Thorburn and Morris Blackburn of the Philadelphia Academy of the Fine Arts. In 1962, he earned the East Liberty, PA art festival watercolorist award. One of his fervent hobbies was completing The Nation and NY Times magazines' crosswords.

Surviving are his brothers: Raúl of Sunnyvale, CA, René and wife Leah Gilbreath of Duluth, GA, Richard and wife Yvonne Bromley of San Lorenzo, NM; sister Lillian and husband Joseph Werthmann of El Paso, TX as well as numerous devoted cousins, nephews, nieces, and companions. Services have been entrusted to Harding- Orr, El Paso, TX. Funeral Mass is at St Patrick's Cathedral at 10 AM followed by internment at Restlawn Memorial Park, 4848 Alps. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society should be made.